Trouble Opening a Petrol Cap?! 😳🙄🤦‍♀️

Ford's have a smart fill system, you just open the cover and put your fuel in. I think it's also impossible to put the wrong fuel in (diesel in a petrol, or petrol in a diesel) due to the shape of the inlet.

GIDDYGRAN be careful my hubby says it may fail MOT with just a temporary cap. We have a Ford fiesta & no cap just a flap. I was liking the look of a Fiat 500 but now I won't consider.

I too have a loved Fiat 500, petrol cap so flipping complicated, fortunately my lovely son-in-law fills with fuel for me, he has shown me numerous times, still can’t do it😠

I always struggled with the petrol cap of my Fiat Uno after I'd filled up. Couldn't put the cap back. Made me dread going for petrol, and I don't have arthritis. We now have a Honda Jazz and I've never had a problem with this car.

I have a Fiat 500 and have always struggled with the petrol cap. I have instructions typed out. You have to turn the cap and then turn the key and reverse it to lock. Too complicated. Find a nice garage where they might help or take a friend.

I have a Fiat too but a Panda and the petrol filler cap has a delay on it. I don’t know if it’s a security thing or maybe just that straight after you switch off the engine there is suction which stops the flap opening. After a few seconds it opens much easier.

I also have a fiat 500 and have the same problem. However, watching my husband do it for me I discovered that you have to hold the outer ring still with your left hand and at the same time turn the inner ring that has the key in it. It has worked.

Lizzsalsa crossed posts!
I even made a point of reading through the full thread before I answered 😂

I find putting air in the tyres almost beyond me. I need help with that and would pay to have it done if I knew where to go.

HelterSkelter1 the guys in our local ATS are always very obliging with little jobs like this, best to phone in advance so you don't turn up at a busy time.

I take my car down for them to check the tyres before my MOT is due, as they are a size that has to be ordered in.
They've never charged, though I always offer.
I take them some cakes or biscuits to share 😋

Helterskelter
I find the same problem with air in tyres and take my car to a local tyre place and ask them to check my tyres. They do this no problem and do not charge ok and they say that it what they are there for

SO pleased I’m not the only one! I too have a Fiat 500 which I love, but find it impossible to deal with the petroleum cap
mechanism. My husband has shown me several times, but my arthritic hands can’t cope.

I usually find a knight in shining armour to assist me, or just leave the blooming’ things open!

Assuming the flap is metal woukd a magnet help you pull it open. Tthere are magnets with handle grips.

From the number of comments you get when you Google this, it is a common problem and not just for those with arthritis

Are there no shops in the UK that stock all the different aids people need to undo jam jars and other stiff lids, turn taps on and off?

I assume there are, so they would be the first place to ask for a gadget that can unscrew your petrol cap.

Failing that take the problem to whichever dealer you bought the car from - you cannot be the only person with this problem, so if car makers and dealers haven't already addressed the problem, it is time they did so.

Ha ha! I have same problem! Have to write it down on piece of paper and keep in car! That’s Italian thinking! Thought all petrol caps you just had to turn a key but not with the Fiat! Good luck with yours! (Write it down til it’s in yr head!)

I do with the fiesta and the bigger car. But also so much around the house mainly when it’s cold.

ah! me too! I have an elderly Wagon R.. but I think mine was more anxiety.. I got my gs to help me, he advised to leave it unlocked, and now after several/many times, I am learning to relax and calm.

I have had to ask for help in this time of anxiety, after dh died, etc. I do not ask for help easily, it is painful for me,, why can`t people understand that? I can`t even ask my close relatives , they are all so busy,busy.! gosh I get comfort from ready so many of these posts, I am not alone, You are not alone!

I’ve 3 new finger joints so can’t undo a lot of things petrol cap included. I’ve got a small round silicone grab mat (think I got it from Amazon or Lakeland) that I can hold over jars to undo also keep one in the car for the petrol cap. If I’m on my own I usually ask someone at the next pump or pop inside and ask an attendant for help.

Jools1310
I have this problem with my fiat 500. In desperation I have swopped the filler cap to one I bought online. It's an AA 'temporary' one, problem solved!

I have a ford fiesta with no petrol cap, they just have the flap to access the petrol port

My Ford Fiesta (and many previous Fiestas for years and years) has no petrol cap. You just push the pump nozzle in through a flap. Fords also have a heated front windscreen, so no scraping required.

Hi I feel for you this happened to me when I had a Skoda Citigo just couldn’t get the damned thing off. Ended up driving out of the petrol station the first time as was so embarrassed and nobody at another pump at the time. Went back and there was a connected tyre place right by it so asked one of their guys to help me and he suggested turning it a certain way which helped and I got it after a few goes. Most people seem happy to help if you pluck up the courage to ask.

Do wonder if it was a particular fault of the Skoda, now have a Golf and never had a problem. Hope it gets easier for you

Would a rubber glove help get a grip. But if you can ask for help that is best. I find putting air in the tyres almost beyond me. I need help with that and would pay to have it done if I knew where to go.

Davisuz I had to do the same and I have the same make of car! I doubt anybody would look at my car never mind touch it.

After I had just bought the car, the petrol was low so I went to fill it up but I couldn't unlock the cap. I returned to the original garage and the fellows thought this stupid old woman could not do a simple job but neither could they!

Hi I used to struggle when I locked it. Since I've left the cap unlocked it's much looser and so no problem. Maybe not as secure but I can't see anyone siphoning petrol out of my Citigo!